Glossary
Use the glossary below to find clear, straightforward definitions of terms related to pregnancy and delivery. Click on one of the letters below to browse alphabetically, and follow links to learn more: we've cross-referenced all defined terms.
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H

HBV screening - A test that screens for the hepatitis B virus. Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B could become infected, possibly leading to liver damage.

HELLP syndrome - (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) A rare, very serious condition occurring during pregnancy. The treatment is to deliver the baby.

Hemorrhoids - Painful, dilated blood vessels in the anal area. They often appear during pregnancy -- due to the weight of the fetus -- or postnatally, as a result of pushing during labor.

Human chorionic gonadatropin (hCG) - A hormone produced during pregnancy. Its detection is the basis for most pregnancy tests.

Hydrocephalus - Excessive cerebrospinal fluid build up around the brain, due to a neural tube defect or brought on by injury, or infection. Usually a lifelong condition, it is treated with shunts. Newborns with hydrocephalus may have normal life span and intelligence, but some experience learning disabilities and other complications.

Hyperemesis gravidarum - A very severe form of morning sickness characterized by extreme, unrelenting nausea, dehydration, and vomiting during pregnancy, and sometimes leading to hospitalization.

Hypertension - High blood pressure.

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